Follow acclaimed theatre directors Matthew Dunster and Natalie Abrahami throughout preparation and rehearsals for their respective Shakespeare productions: Dunster's 'intelligent production' (Guardian) of Troilus and Cressida at Shakespeare's Globe, and Abrahami's A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Nuffield Theatre, Southampton, praised by The Reviews Hub as 'a cutting-edge make-over'. First published as part of Getting Directions: A Fly-on-the-Wall Guide for Emerging Theatre Directors.

With unprecedented access to the rehearsal room, the book outlines exactly what it takes to get a play from the page to the stage, from first concept to first night. It provides an invaluable, practical handbook - part portrait, part masterclass - on how to stage Shakespeare in the twenty-first century, and a revealing insight into the work of two of the UK's most exciting young directors.

Matthew Dunster is an Olivier-nominated director. He is an Associate Artist of the Young Vic and Associate Director at Shakespeare's Globe. Credits include Martin McDonagh's Hangmen (Royal Court and West End), Love's Sacrifice (RSC) and The Seagull (Regent's Park Open Air Theatre).

Natalie Abrahami was formerly Artistic Director of the Gate Theatre, Notting Hill, and is an Associate Director at the Young Vic and Associate Artist at the Nuffield Theatre, Southampton.

'Vital reading for anyone working or wanting to work as a director' The Public Reviews on Getting Directions